The Gender gap at the dinner table
1984
Willis, Judith
Women may have more difficulty then men when it comes to obtaining all necessary nutrients. Based on the USDA's 1977-78 Nation-wide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) women consume less than the recommended average calorie intake in order to maintain weight (approximately 1600 C/day). Older women require fewer calories than teenagers by as much as 350 calories yet nutrient requirements are similar. Body size and composition account for the main differences in calorie requirements between men and women, which begin at puberty. Activity also influences caloric needs. Beginning with puberty girls' weight contains more fat; boys' more lean tissue. This contributes to the weight/obesity problem. Excessive dieting may result in eating disorders, and the value of diets to reduce obesity is still under discussion. Several theories associated with anorexia and bulimia are discussed. Statistics on the difference in weight/obesity between men and women from the NFCS are presented along with 3 tables that present energy requirements, weight/heights, and energy expenditures of both sexes. (kbc)
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